St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound now has a First Nations Room.
Director of Education Bruce MacPherson says the room — which includes a number of artifacts — enriches the aboriginal culture of the school.
The ‘Friendship Room’ as it is called was created with the help of the schools aboriginal partners from Saugeen First Nations and Cape Crocker.
MacPherson says it is a multi purpose room designed to provide support for First Nations students, as well as to help other students better understand aboriginal culture.
This guidance style room is part of St. Mary’s High School student success strategies for students that are falling behind in their grades.
For the next school year — First Nations elders and leaders will be invited to visit the room and offer workshops such as drumming and aboriginal crafts.
Staff say learning styles have a tremendous influence on achievement for First Nations students.
They also admit the way they normally teach is not always conducive to the aboriginal way of learning.
MacPherson hopes the room’s influence will benefit from learning about their background and culture as part of the school curriculum.